The Griffin, Ga., native came to Alabama last year at 260 pounds and is now checking in at 270. He's one of the biggest players at his position.

Dickson just isn't Courtney Upshaw big.

"Courtney was a great player," Dickson said today during his first interview session with the Alabama media. "I just try to do what I do best."

And that is...

"I think I'm in better condition," Dickson said. "I worked hard in the off-season to get myself in the right condition for practice during camp."

That hard work appears to have paid off. Dickson has consistently worked with the first-team defense at the Jack linebacker position.

You know, Upshaw's old position.

"A very great guy played the position last year," defensive end Damion Square said. "Xzavier knows the shoes
that need to be filled at that position. The position is very important
on our defense to make a lot of plays. Xzavier is stepping up and
filling in that role to the best of his ability.

"We have confidence in
Xzavier. He'll get it done."

Dickson's a quiet guy, but he said more than this in the video interview at the top of the page. If you haven't already, check out a portion of Square's interview that is already on the Alabama football page.